Avondale House · 1 day ago
Employment Services Specialist/Job Skills Trainer
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expAvondale House is a not-for-profit agency that provides educational services to individuals with autism. The Employment Services Specialist/Job Skills Trainer oversees the development and delivery of vocational and pre-employment training services for individuals with Autism and related conditions, ensuring compliance with standards and preparing participants for community employment.
Non Profit
Responsibilities
Assists with the development and implementation of the Work Readiness ISS Track 2 Program
Ensures program compliance with state and federal regulations, ISS, TWC-VRS guidelines and Medicaid Waiver Program requirements (HCS and TxHmL)
Documents program outcomes and participant progress to support continuous improvement and individualized support planning
Participates in annual program evaluation and recommends programmatic improvements based on data and stakeholder feedback
Maintains a positive, professional, and person-centered service environment for participants, staff and visitors
Reviews training curriculum, lesson plans, and participant records to ensure relevance and alignment with participant skill levels and employment goals
Instructs participants using approved curriculum, emphasizing:
Workplace behavior and etiquette
Soft skills development (communication, teamwork, time management, etc.)
Self-advocacy and job retention strategies
Career exploration and navigation
Develops or adapts instructional material that supports diverse learning styles and functional levels
Coordinates on-and off-site work training experiences, internships, and live work opportunities in collaboration with community partners
Maintains detailed skill achievement records and participant profiles to track competencies and support employer engagement
Collaborates with the Program Director and COO on participant intake, eligibility review and enrollment
Prepares daily and weekly schedule of activities, ensuring instructional plans are developed in advance and reflect best practices in vocational instruction
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
High School Diploma or GED required
A minimum of 2 years of direct experience working with adults with Autism or developmental disabilities required
Working knowledge of the Texas Workforce Commission's Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC-VRS) and Medicaid Waiver programs including HCS, CLASS, and TxHmL required
Ability to communicate with clarity, empathy, and professionalism required
Deep passion for supporting individuals with Autism in achieving greater independence required
Current CPR Certification required
Valid Driver's License required
Ability to implement CPI, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Lifting/Moving up to 50 lbs and lifting moving up to 100 plus lbs with assistance
Ability to stand on your feet for 2-3 hours at a time
Stooping, kneeling, pushing and pulling may be required in this position
Must be able to handle situations that may be stressful at times
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in social services, special education, vocational rehabilitation, business administration or related field is preferred
Experience teaching or facilitating pre-employment soft skills curriculum to individuals with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities preferred
UNT WISE/TWC-VR Credential in Job Skills Training, Job Placement, Supported Employment, and/or Work Readiness strongly preferred
Experience with supported employment or transition programs preferred
Familiarity with evidence-based instructional strategies and visual support preferred
Knowledge of community employment resources preferred
Benefits
401(k)
Medical both with an employer contribution
Dental
Vision
Life
Disability insurance
Paid time off options
Company
Avondale House
Avondale House provides individuals with autism the resources, education, and training to develop to their fullest potential.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Houston Methodist Hospital
2022-06-02Grant
Leadership Team
Valerie Garate Ramirez, MA
Chief Development Officer
Recent News
2025-05-16
houstonmethodist.org
2022-06-03
Houston Business Journal
2022-06-03
Company data provided by crunchbase